freeze
FREEZ
/friːz/
To become suddenly inoperable or unresponsive, typically referring to a computer or application.
Implies that a system or program stops responding to input (mouse clicks, keyboard) and appears stuck, though it might still be running in the background. It often requires a forced restart.
The story behind the word. The word 'freeze' comes from the Old English 'freosan', meaning 'to become stiff with cold'. The metaphorical extension to describe a computer or program becoming unresponsive is a relatively modern development, emerging with the advent of computing. Just as water turns solid and unmoving when it freezes, a computer that 'freezes' becomes rigid and unresponsive, unable to perform its functions.
Word relationships
- hang: Often used interchangeably with 'freeze' in a computing context.
- lock up: Similar to 'freeze', implying the system is stuck and unresponsive.
- stall: Can imply a temporary stop or delay, but 'freeze' implies a more complete unresponsiveness.
- respond: To react quickly and positively.
- operate smoothly: To work without interruption or unresponsiveness.
Commonly confused with
- crash: When a system 'freezes', it stops responding but might still be running. When it 'crashes', it has failed completely and often shuts down or requires a full restart.
- lag: When a system 'lags', it's slow and choppy. When it 'freezes', it stops responding entirely.
Word family
- freezing (adjective): extremely cold; (of a computer) becoming unresponsive
Collocations
- computer freeze
- screen freeze
- application freeze
- freeze up
- system freeze
Idioms & expressions
- freeze over: to become covered with ice
- freeze out: to exclude someone
Example sentences
- "My computer would often freeze completely when I tried to open too many applications at once, forcing me to restart it." A user describing a computer problem.
- "The video editing software started to freeze every few minutes, making it impossible to save my progress." An application becoming unresponsive.
- "If your phone starts to freeze, try holding down the power button to force a restart." A common troubleshooting step.
Memory hook
When your computer 'FREEZES', it's like it's stuck in ice, unable to move or respond. FREEZE = stuck in ice
When not to use
Do not use 'freeze' for a complete system shutdown (a 'crash') or a general slowdown (a 'lag'). It's specific to an unresponsive state.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'frozen screen' is a common way to describe a computer display that has become unresponsive.
- In photography, 'freeze frame' refers to stopping a motion picture at a particular frame.
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